Serious Side-Effects of walnuts (Akhrot - Dry Fruits)

India 15 October 2016: I love walnuts i eat it everyday. I cannot stay away from walnuts as it has an amazing and crunchy taste.

But, why should we stay away from the wonderful walnuts since walnuts have lots of amazing healthy benefits after all. Walnuts are known by many names in Hindi we call it as ‘Akhrot‘, In Telugu we call walnut as ‘Akroot Kaya‘, In Tamil we call walnut as ‘Akrothandi‘, we call it as ‘Acrota‘ in Kannada, ‘Akrod‘ in Marathi and ‘Akrot‘ in Gujarati and Bengali. Walnut is one of the commonly used ingredients in our daily life. We all eat walnuts in various forms of chocolates, cakes, cookies, etc. The taste of walnut is slightly bitter taste we all love them.

Yes, walnuts are healthy. They are packed with large nutritive content—a simple 25gms of walnut contains 123 calories and gives our body a punch of energy. Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and offer a lots of health benefits. But walnuts can also do harm for our body. Walnuts can affect our body adversely in many ways. Some of walnuts side effects are minor while others need prompt medical attention. Some of the side effects of walnuts are discussed here :

1) BMI And Weight Change

Because of its high energy content Walnut are said to lead to weight gain many studies have shown it. If you eat or consume walnuts in large amounts and without controlling the eating of other fatty foods it will lead to unwanted weight gain.Walnuts are best and good for people trying who want to gain weight. But for others it should be avoided in their food basket.

2) Allery Reactions.

When you have walnut lots (over consumption of walnuts) it can lead to Allergic reactions. You must be careful with walnut because some people might have minor allergic reactions while for others a walnut allergy can mean a life sentence. After eating walnut if you get allergic reactions you must stop its eating and should consult a doctor.These reactions include tightness in the throat or chest, hives, difficulty in breathing, and rashes.

3) Walnut can React With Other Medications

Many people take black walnuts as a dietary supplement but US FDA has not tested walnut for any interactions with other medicines. The hull of the walnuts contains tannins which may reduce the absorption of the medication.

4) Walnuts (Akhrot - Dry Fruits) - Skin Rashes

When applied on the skin black walnut may result in skin rashes. The hull of walnuts contains certain chemical compounds that irritates your skin which leads to rashes on your skin. When you consume walnuts in great quantity it can cause rashes and swelling for your whole body. People who have allergies from nuts are more likely to suffer from these problems.

5) Walnuts (Akhrot - Dry Fruits) - Diarrhea

People having allergies from nuts, Eating Walnut can cause various digestive problems. If you notice symptoms like diarrhea and other digestive problem then you better see a doctor before eating walnuts again.

6) Walnuts (Akhrot - Dry Fruits) - Nausea

The antibodies present in walnuts promotes the production of histamine by the white blood cells in the body. These histamines promote the allergic reactions like nausea, stomach pain and diarrhea.

7) Walnuts (Akhrot - Dry Fruits) - Pregnancy And Breastfeeding:

Walnuts being an allergen are not safe for pregnant and lactating women. To avoid any complications when you are pregnant and breastfeeding, you should try to avoid walnuts .

8) Walnuts (Akhrot - Dry Fruits) - Birth Defects

Black walnuts contain phytates which cause cellular level changes in the DNA and can result in cell death. The phytates can also cause birth defects or have a dangerous effect on the growth of the fetus, when walnuts are excessively eaten by pregnant women. This can also result in miscarriages. As per research sone by Baseline of Health Foundation, black walnuts should be avoided by pregnant women and breastfeeding women.

9) Walnuts (Akhrot - Dry Fruits) - Iron Deficiency

As we know that Black walnut contains compounds known as phytates. Phytates have an impact on the body’s ability to absorb iron. Phytates are known to reduce the absorption of iron present in the food by up to 50 to 60 percent which leads to iron deficiency.

10) Walnuts (Akhrot - Dry Fruits) - Liver And Kidney Damage

Many people take black walnuts as a supplement. Black walnuts contain an active ingredient known as juglone which affects the liver and the kidneys. Taking an overdose of black walnut supplements, can lead to damage your liver and kidneys.

11) Walnuts (Akhrot - Dry Fruits) - Dries Up Body Fluids

As per studies black walnut is known to dry up your bodily fluids like mucus. Having black walnuts should be avoided when you have fever as it will make you feel dehydrated and might also interfere with the absorption of the fever medication you’ve been taking.

12) Walnuts (Akhrot - Dry Fruits) - Lip Cancer:

Walnuts contain a chemical called jugione which can cause lip cancer if applied to the skin regularly. Lip cancer from the use of walnuts is a rare side effect and occurs after a prolonged use of walnuts.

13) Walnuts (Akhrot - Dry Fruits) - Asthma Attacks:

Asthma is a widespread condition today. If you have nut allergy then you are more at risk of having asthma attacks. People with asthma should definitely avoid walnuts as it may increase the risks of asthma attacks..

14) Throat And Tongue Swelling:

People having an allergy from walnut and other nuts can have some serious problems. They may experience the swelling of the throat, tongue, and even the lungs. These symptoms make breathing difficult and can even lead to death. If you experience any of these symptoms you better get prompt medical attention.

15) Walnuts (Akhrot - Dry Fruits) - Acne And Ulcers:

You should avoid using Walnut leaf, as topical application of it can cause acne, eczema, ulcers and some other skin infections. It can also lead to excessive sweating of hands and feet. If you are using any cosmetics or medication that contains walnut leaves, it’s always advisable to do a patch test to check for any allergic reaction.

If you do not have nut allergy walnuts are very much safe for you. But, for people who have nut allergies, should be aware of it and avoid walnuts.People with allergy should consult their doctor for ideas on how to treat this allergy.